Symptoms

Symptoms And Signs Of Dependency

An indicator is something the patient feels and explains while a clue is something that others like doctor or friends see in the patient. To give an example, enlarged pupils can be a sign, whilst sleepiness can be a symptom.

Drug Addiction - an addicted person cannot resist or restrict himself to the intake of the substance be it drug, alcohol, cigarette. He/she continues to use it, despite the fact that it may be harmful (the person may or may not be aware of the possible risk).

Drug addiction makes the body have a strong desire for the substance. The person addicted may be willing to stop taking it, but they are not able on their own.

Personal circumstances, genetics, and the specific substance being used are all things that can determine how the signs and symptoms of abuse will manifest in an individual.

Some signs and symptoms of abuse could be:

Unsuccessful attempts at stopping - the person taking the substance, like nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs, has made at least on serious try at stopping and was unable to.

Withdrawal symptoms - mental and physical reactions happen when the levels of the substance in the body drop below a certain level. There are urges, spells of moodiness, fits of rage, poor concentration, a feeling of being sad and empty, anger, resentment and frustration.

The person may also develop a voracious appetite. A sleeping disorder is a typical side effect of withdrawal. Sometimes the individual may have constipation or diarrhoea. With certain drugs, withdrawal can set off seizures, perspiration, hallucinations, violence and tremors.

Even with the knowledge that health problems exist, addiction continues - The person keeps taking the substance on a regular basis, even though negative health problems are becoming apparent. Example is a smoker not giving up smoking even when they have been diagnosed of a related heart or lung disease.

Recreational or social sacrifices - because of the substance addiction, some actions are forfeited. Examples of this might be an alcoholic who won't attend a party if there isn't going to alcohol available or a smoker who won't meet up with friends at a non-smoking restaurant.

Keeping a good supply - the person always makes sure they have access to the substance, even if they don't have a lot of money. To ensure that the substance is as abundant as possible, sacrifices may be made to the household's budget.

Dangers of Addiction (1) - An addict may go to any lengths including risking their lives by stealing or prostituting to get money or drugs.

Taking risks (2) - driving at a higher speed is one of the risks the addict may easily take when they have taken the substance.

Stress management - Addicts usually feel they cannot handle issues without fortifying themselves with the drug.

Obsession - figuring out the best way to access their substance and how to use it may occupy a greater part of their time and energy

Secrecy and solitude - the addict may resort to enjoying these substances in solitude in most cases.

Forswearing - a critical number of individuals who are dependent on a substance are trying to claim ignorance. They don't know (or decline to recognise) that they have an issue.

Overindulgence - With some substances like alcohol, some types of drugs and cigarettes, the addict may take too much at a go. Some consequences to this are blacking out and not being able to remember periods of time and even physical symptoms, like the presence of a persistent cough or sore throat in a heavy smoker.

Giving up activities and pastimes - as the dependency advances, the person might no longer do things he/she really liked. Chain smokers might not be strong anymore to participate in sports they once enjoyed.

Having reserves - the addict might have small reserves of his/her substance concealed in various areas of the car/house; frequently in improbable spots.

Taking an initial large dose - alcohol abuse normally has this symptom. The addict will usually take a lot of the substance quickly so that they get the effect fast.

Having issues with the law - this is progressively a normal for some drug and liquor addictions (not nicotine, for instance). It may be because the individual cannot judge right, thus do things they normally won't do, or deliberately do something unlawful to obtain the substance.

Budgetary troubles - if the substance is costly the dependent individual may yield a considerable measure to ensure its supply is secured. Even cigarettes that in certain places, like the United Kingdom, regions of Europe and the United States of America cost more than '11 just for a packet of twenty cigarettes - someone who smokes 40 a day in such a place will have to spend '660 per month, almost '8,000 annually.

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Certain alcohol or substance abusers who aren't technically addicted might also be affected by or cause a few of the above-mentioned descriptions, though these abusers don't generally experience the withdrawal symptoms of addicts or the exact same obsession to use the substance.